Invasive Bacterial Disease

Related Topics

Meningitis

There are many different bacteria and viruses that can cause
meningitis. In most instances, it is more common for
these viruses or bacteria to cause some other illness, such
as an ear infection, pneumonia or other illness. It is not
known why one individual develops meningitis when others exposed
to the same virus or bacteria don't get as sick, or don't
get sick at all.

Bacterial Meningitis

Some forms of meningitis may pose a risk for causing serious
illness among close contacts. These include meningococcal
meningitis and, in some specific circumstances, H. influenzae type b meningitis. In these instances, there are preventative
actions that are recommended to protect close contacts.

The most common causes of bacterial meningitis:

Meningococcal
Disease (Neisseria
meningitidis)
Meningococcal disease is an illness caused by a bacteria called Neisseria
meningitidis. It often causes meningitis but
it can also cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, joint infections,
and other illness.

Haemophilus influenzae, type b (Hib)
Until recently, Hib was one of the most common causes of bacterial
infection in young children. Hib may cause a variety of diseases such
as meningitis (inflammation of the coverings of the spinal column and
brain), blood stream infections, pneumonia, arthritis and infections
of other parts of the body.

Fungal Meningitis

Fungal Infections from Contaminated Medication (2012 Fungal Meningitis Outbreak)
Information about the 2012 nationwide investigation of fungal infections resulting from contaminated medications. The variety of fungal infections include an uncommon form of meningitis, which should not be confused with the viral or bacterial forms of the illness with which most people are familiar. Other kinds of infections include osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) and abscesses (infected fluid collections).
These infections cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Spotlight

2013 MDH Antibiogram
The Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Selected Pathogens, also known as the MDH antibiogram, includes a compilation of antimicrobial susceptibilities of selected pathogens that have been submitted to the MDH Public Health Laboratory.